In 2017, Western Cape Premier Helen Zille declared the Western Cape a disaster area because of the drought. In March, the ruling African National Congress’ minister for cooperative governance, Zweli Mkhize, declared a national state of emergency. However, with the arrival of winter rains, Mkhize did not renew the state of emergency when it expired on June 13.

Teaching Notes for Plagues and the Paradox of Progress, written by CFR Senior Fellow Thomas J. Bollyky, in which he traces the rise and fall of infectious disease and the challenges and opportunities that unprecedented health achievements pose for our future.

Teaching Notes for False Dawn, written by Steven A. Cook, in which he examines why Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Turkey did not transition to democracy and explains how and why Middle East uprisings didn't succeed.